Smathers and Branson Sells Needlepoint Shoes

Smathers and Branson has added ladies needlepoint shoes to their line of pre-stitched needlepoint items.  Two different needlepoint patterns are available.  I'm assuming the sizes are US shoe sizes since S&B is an American company.  

https://www.smathersandbranson.com/collections/womens-belgian-loafers?filter.v.m.custom.available=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawIkLOpleHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQAAAYESZub8gEd52pi6gzi3HAe1-ei5USLcqm8Pr5wNNhbz22kB2N2QCYyjER_HLduZxt9_aem_ChEODnK89-pf6tqz4_qIpQ&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid&campaign_id=6294496656010&ad_id=6614955001410

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 20, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Live Every Week Like It's Shark Week UPDATED

Shark Week!

Discovery Channel's Shark Week has gone into our common language with a lot of fun sayings and--of course!--needlepoint designs.   I thought I'd collect the ones I know about for your stitching pleasure so you can celebrate sharks in stitching style.

Kathy Schenkel has a darling mini sock, complete with felt shark insert.
http://stitcherie.ning.com/photo/best-christmas-ornament-ever

Kathy has also put sharks on a tooth fairy pillow, complete with pocket. The second link below is a finished pillow from Barbara's Needlepoint.
http://www.needlepoint.com/shark-tooth-fairy-pillow.html

https://www.facebook.com/107558659287177/photos/a.471227749586931.100490.107558659287177/1117308034978896/?type=3&theater

Rogue Needlepoint has two round ornaments, one of which you see above.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=909756969146374&set=pcb.1061420300601794&type=3&theater


If you want something more realistic, Waterweave has a superb underwater portrait of a card shark.
http://blog.waterweave.com/2012/01/card-shark-c500.html

For a more whimsical look, how about this floral shark?
https://needlepoint.land/index.php/product/shark/

If you are in a rush for the perfect summer belt, this Tucker Blair "Jaws" pre-made belt might be right for you.
https://greatlakesprep.wordpress.com/2011/08/01/tucker-blair-jaws-needlepoint-belt/

Or maybe a key fob? This one is a pre-made item from Smathers and Branson.
https://smathersandbranson.com/product/great-white-needlepoint-key-fob/

Melissa Prince has a movie coaster for Finding Nemo with a pretty large toothy shark.
http://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=33392&title=Finding%20Nemo%20-%20Movie%20Coaster&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

There is even a shark needle minder available from Rogue Needlepoint!
http://www.amybunger.com/f/0616.pd

For finishing, you can find real shark's teeth and shark tooth charms all over Etsy.
https://www.etsy.com/search/craft-supplies-and-tools?q=shark+teeth

Lampwork shark beads are also available, although they are usually rather large.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/268495147/shark-lampwork-bead-necklace-artisan?ref=shop_home_active_16

Have fun and keep your teeth to yourself!  Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go scare myself silly in front of the TV.

UPDATE:  Donna noticed I missed the Jaws movie coaster from Melissa Prince Designs.  Thanks!
http://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=30316&title=Jaws%20-%20Movie%20Coaster&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

UPDATE #2:  Here's the design stitched by Suzie at Enriched Stitch.
http://astheneedleturns.com/dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dun/

UPDATE #3:  Pippin has Chomp.  LOL
http://www.needlepointbreeze.com/module/search_content.htm?form_version=2&showSearchResults=1&search_keyword=shark&image.x=0&image.y=0&image=Search

UPDATE #4:  Santa Jaws, from Vallerie Needlepoint Gallery (VNG).
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2018/01/las-vegas-market-2018-day-2.html

UPDATE #5:  Rogue Needlepoint has an anniversary shark week design for 2018.
http://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/uploads/7/2/3/6/72364657/0618.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 26, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Bowdoin Belt Boys UPDATED

Thanks to Palma, I have an interesting profile of Smathers and Branson's needlepoint belt business for you to enjoy.  I had no idea of their connection to The Point of It All in D.C., or that this was a company based in Maryland.
http://www.bethesdamagazine.com/Bethesda-Magazine/July-August-2015/Smathers-Branson/index.php?cparticle=1&siarticle=0#artanc

There's an interview with the founders on Bloomberg at the end of this profile of three preppy companies.
http://video.tampabay.com/Preppy-Handbook-Inside-the-Three-Preppiest-Labels-25484962

In case you aren't familiar with Smathers and Branson's pre stitched belts, fobs, and more, here is their website.
http://smathersandbranson.com

UPDATE:  They are in the Washington Post now. By the way, it'll cost around $300 (painted canvas, threads, finishing) to stitch a belt yourself and have it finished.  This doesn't take into account your stitching time, of course.  People on Facebook say the Smathers and Branson belts are thin and not done in basketweave so they won't last the way a needlepointed belt made from scratch by a stitcher will.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/guys-arent-usually-into-needlepoint-but-this-company-sells-them-on-it/2015/12/17/e41e8c6a-a42f-11e5-b53d-972e2751f433_story.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 22, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Town and Country Gives Permission to Wear Needlepoint

Thanks to Jane V. who mentioned this on Facebook, I have an online article from Town and Country counting all the neat needlepoint wearables available. 
http://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/fashion-trends/a2903/reasons-to-love-needlepoint/?src=spr_FBPAGE&spr_id=1454_159983313

They don't mention you can stitch these yourself for less money and a higher quality, not to mention getting precisely what you want.  But once again we discover we needlepointers are trendy as all get out.

Here's a bit more about Tucker Blair's goods.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/03/tucker-blair/

Here is the Smathers and Branson website.
http://smathersandbranson.com

Just in case you feel the need to go preppy without the fun of stitching these things, you know.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 25, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Rumor Mill - Smathers and Branson

Ridgewood Needlepoint's latest e-newsletter says that Smathers and Branson have discontinued their needlepoint canvases as of now and are selling off their inventory. They are not reducing prices, however. Ridgewood also says that the company is still doing finishing for now.
http://www.smathersandbranson.com/web/catalog.aspx?group=0

I am interpreting this to mean that Smathers and Branson are discontinuing any non-stitched canvases.  I assume they are still selling the finished pieces (especially belts) that is the main part of their business.  I don't know if this means they are discontinuing the custom design business.  I am sure that you can check with Ridgewood if you want clarification.
http://www.ridgewoodneedlepoint.com

Since I mentioned belts this morning, here's a gorgeous one, stitched by a NeedlePaint customer for her son.  Nice!
http://blog.needlepaint.com/2013/05/29/kids-needlepoint-belt/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.